Yard Goats Release 2018 Promotional Schedule

Yard Goats will also extend fan safety netting to protect more seats behind both dugouts

Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced its 2018 promotional schedule tonight at an invite only event for sponsors and season ticket holders in the YG Club Presented by Frontier at Dunkin' Donuts Park. Several television and radio personalities were part of the program which highlighted the many promotional nights, premium giveaway games and firework shows scheduled at Dunkin' Donuts Park this season. In addition to unveiling the new giveaway schedule, 22 Fireworks Shows, and never seen in Hartford national entertainment acts, the Yard Goats also introduced a new mascot, "Goofy Goat Herder," who will be entertaining fans as part of the family fun at all 70 home games in Hartford. The Yard Goats also announced that they will extend the fan safety netting behind the plate to at least the far ends of both dugouts by 2018 Opening Day.

The promotional schedule is highlighted by "Whalers Alumni Weekend," which will take place from July 27th through July 29th as the Yard Goats host the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The Yard Goats will be wearing to special hockey style uniforms to pay tribute to the former NHL franchise. Many former Whalers will be part of a festive weekend which will include a luncheon, on-field pregame ceremony, hockey puck giveaway and autograph session. Many historic Whalers moments and highlights will be shown to the fans on the outfield videoboard. Whalers Alumni Weekend is sponsored by UConn Health.

The Yard Goats will blast off Fireworks after most Friday and Saturday night games and fans will be allowed to enjoy the show from their seats. The first show will take place on Opening Night after the first Yard Goats game on Thursday, April 5th. The Fireworks will be provided by Atlas Fireworks who produce and execute the fireworks for the New England Patriots.

In addition to all of the fun promotions and giveaways, the Yard Goats will take a serious role in bringing attention to many causes and community programs. Strike Out Cancer Night, Pink in the Park, You Can Play Night, and Military Appreciation Night will be incorporated into the schedule. The Yard Goats will also honor Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente in a celebration on August 24th.

Fans will get the opportunity to see the Yard Goats play with another nickname on "What If Night,"a fun promotion to see what it would be like if the team had a different name. On June 28th, the Yard Goats will play as the Hartford Whirly Birds, which was one of the finalists in the name-the-team-contest. Special uniform jerseys and hats will be worn by the players during that game. The jerseys will then be autographed and auctioned for charity. "What If Night" is sponsored by NBC Connecticut.

The Yard Goats will also play as Los Chivos de Hartford on June 2nd, July 17th, and August 24th. The name, which translates from Spanish as the Goats of Hartford, is part of Minor League Baseball's Es Divertido Ser Un Fan campaign.

On August 12, the Yard Goats will play as the Hartford Steamed Cheeseburgers and debut their specially designed uniform jerseys and hats. The steamed cheeseburger is believed to be invented in Connecticut and Ted's Restaurant, who is famous for serving steamed cheeseburgers since 1959, will be present at the Hartford Neighborhood Flavors Cart with their Steamed Cheeseburgers available for fans to purchase the night of the game.

Some of Minor League Baseball's most popular traveling entertainment acts will be performing at Dunkin' Donuts Park this upcoming season. The Cowboy Monkey Rodeo will make its first ever visit to Hartford on Thursday, June 14th and fans will have the unique opportunity to watch monkeys riding on dogs in a post game performance that is sure to be a hit.

Fans will be amazed with a daredevil stunt as the Human Cannonball will be part of the Yard Goats entertainment experience on Thursday, July 26th. David "The Bullet" Smith, will be shot from a cannon in front of the home crowd. "The Bullet" is the highest flying Human Cannonball in the world today and has performed more than 5,000 cannon shots in his career.

On Thursday, August 23rd, giant inflatable characters will invade Dunkin' Donuts Park as ZOOperstars visit Hartford. For years, ZOOperstars has ranked at the top of MLB and MiLB promotions, providing great in game entertainment. The unique show features hilarious inflatables with clever names and combines synchronized dance routines, acrobatics, tricks and comedy for performances that connect with fans of all ages.

In addition to watching the future stars of the Major Leagues, fans will also be able to take home a Yard Goats collectable at several of the games. The Yard Goats have put together an extensive premium giveaway schedule. Fans will be handed a Yard Goats souvenir as they enter the gates.

All season long fans have the opportunity to take advantage of promotions such as "Kids Run the Bases" each Sunday game, presented by Harte Nissan & Infiniti, and "Baseball Bingo" when all fans can win prizes at every Tuesday game. The Yard Goats will also have several "Theme Nights" when fans can get creative and play along.